As our summer reading program Build a Better World comes to an end, a group of caring children from our community reminds us that efforts to better the world are ongoing. Enter Kid-Powered Kindness.

Kid-Powered Kindness was born in 2014 after then four-year-old Annabelle stared in wonder at her Christmas bounty. She remarked, "Mom, we have so many toys and there are kids who don't have enough." Annabelle reached out to her friends, gathered toys they no longer played with and donated them to kids in need.

Kid-Powered Kindness is driven by the philosophy that kids can make the world a better place. Annabelle’s belief in this simple but mighty premise led the group to their newest world-bettering project. During a contribution trip to a local Little Free Library, Annabelle commented, “Mom, there should be pantries with food in them for people who are hungry.” As a result of this simple but compassionate observation, the kids again organized, raised money and built four Little Free Pantries.

The kids power this endeavor but community mom Heather Spangler is its engineer. She recognized a child’s desire to spread goodwill and nurtured it. Heather shares, “Sarah Mersch's critical assistance and the strength of the Northeast Cedar Rapids Mom’s Club helped make Annabelle’s dream true.”

Hiawatha Public Library is honored to be home to the premier Kid-Powered Kindness Little Free Pantry. On Monday, July 31 at 2:00, please join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebration complete with lemonade and cookies provided by HyVee whose stores will be home to three additional pantries. You will meet these amazing kids and be among the first to contribute to the pantry and their vision.